Picking the right course of action

The best way up the career ladder is still to earn a recognised, official and formal education qualification, writes Dr Ronald K Chung there is always scope for improvement.

This is your column and your first port of call for information about graduate programmes, from MBAs, MPAs, MPhils and MScs to DBAs, EdDs and PhDs. You name it, we have it.

However, I need to set the rules straight. I understand that this is an academic column. I also know that academics are generally pretty serious and can seem "respectable" or even boring...

Those are old images. New Age education should be two-way, fully engaged and interactive. Professors should be accessible, while students now sit in a semicircle, conference-style. After all, participation is worth 10 percent of your grade.

So, how can we help? Clearly, you do not have to be reminded that the world is competitive or that the job market is tough. The answer lies in the courses of action at your disposal.

The very fact that you are reading this column indicates that you want to equip yourself to stay ahead of the game. Of course, there is an alternative - do nothing, cross your fingers and wait... For obvious reasons, I do not recommend waiting for your lucky star to shine on you.

In order to equip yourself, you need new skills and knowledge, which is why continuous education, or life-long learning, is here to stay. How else can you remain competitive in an evolving world?

The key is whether you choose an academic or non-academic programme.

Although the latter are outside the scope of this column, they are not unimportant. Non-academic award programmes are good for updates and just-in-time assistance. The education and training offered at the ET Business College has provided the professional community with this type of programme for years. If time is short but you have a strong academic and professional background, vocational courses certainly offer quick updates and help better equip you for your job.

That said, do not expect such courses to help you up the career ladder.

You can collect as many certificates and diplomas as you wish but, realistically, when it comes to career advancement, employers are still looking for able bodies with a solid academic background that complements job experience. The horror stories about people with tons of experience missing out on promotions are true ...Try putting yourself in your boss's shoes.

The most dependable way to equip yourself for workplace competition is still a good old recognised, official and formal education qualification - which is why this column focuses on academic award programmes.

So, now you know what to expect and where to find information about formal academic awards. Your next assignment is to close your eyes and mull over what we have talked about and apply it to your job or, better still, your career advancement...you can e-mail me the assignment at DrChung@etbc.com.hk.

Be prepared for tomorrow. Until next time, work hard and play hard!

Dr Ronald K Chung is academic development director of the ET Business College, a member of the Hong Kong Economic Times Group. He has worked for a number of private companies and universities in the United States, as well as Hong Kong Consumer Council.

Acknowledgement Dr Ronald K Chung is academic development director of the ET Business College, a member of the Hong Kong Economic Times Group. He has worked for a number of private companies and universities in the United States, as well as Hong Kong's Consumer Council. To contact Dr Chung, please write to DrChung@etbc.com.hk.

Taken from Career Times 2003/08/29